Design and demonstration of a flexible matrix composite morphing control surface for air gap control in a Fowler flap

Abstract

A full-scale commercial aircraft morphing control surface using flexible matrix composite actuators was designed and demonstrated in this research. The muscle-like flexible matrix composite actuator is ideal for morphing structures as it deforms while actuating with the structure, and the hydraulically driven actuator can operate at pressures similar to existing aircraft hydraulic systems. Through a series of parameter studies performed with finite element models, an active spoiler was designed to control the gap between a spoiler and deployed Fowler flap. A full-scale prototype was then fabricated and tested under pseudo-aerodynamic loads. The prototype demonstrated that it can achieve the necessary deflections under the given loading condition. A closed-loop control system that allows the tip deflection of the spoiler to be precisely controlled under loading was designed.